Frequently Asked Questions

Find clarity and insights for your questions

 

Early Education

  • How do I enrol my child at a St Nicholas Early Education centre? 

    Enrolling your child at a St Nicholas Early Education centre is easy. Simply submit an enquiry for your centre of choice through our website and a friendly member of the team will be in contact within 48 hours.

    All enquiring parents/carers are invited to visit the centre for a private tour with their family at a time that mutually suits within business hours.

    If your desired care days are available, you will be sent an offer of enrolment through My Family Lounge, which you can accept. If your desired care days are not available, you will be invited to sign up to the centre’s waitlist to be advised when a vacancy opens up. 

    For more information on the enrolment process, visit our ‘How to enrol’ page.

  • What can I expect from a centre tour? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we believe visiting our centres is the best way to experience the welcoming, nurturing environment we provide for children and families. A centre tour is your opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our passionate educators, and learn more about how we can support your child’s early education journey.

    Here’s what you can expect during your tour:

    • Welcome: You’ll be greeted by one of our friendly team members, who will guide you through the tour and answer any questions you may have.
    • Explore our environments: Discover our purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning environments, including play areas, quiet spaces, and creative zones.
    • Program: Learn about our curriculum and approach to early childhood education, designed to foster your child’s growth, development, and love of learning.
    • Meet the team: Meet your Centre Director and the service’s team of qualified educators, who will share insights about the care and learning experiences we provide.
    • Q&A: Take the time to ask any questions you have about the enrolment process, fees, or anything else that matters to your family.

    Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and excited about choosing the best possible early education experience for your child.

    To book a tour, visit our Enquiry page.

  • What can I expect from my child’s first day at a St Nicholas centre?

    We understand that the first day of care can be both exciting and overwhelming for both children and parents. We strive to ensure that the first day at one of our centres is a positive experience for everyone involved.

    Upon arrival: Parents can expect a warm welcome from our friendly staff who will be there to greet you and your child/ren upon arrival.

    Our educators will introduce themselves and guide you through what the day will look like and what to expect. Your child will be introduced to their new environment, meet the friends in their room, and be encouraged to participate in the morning’s activities.

    Throughout the day: After you leave, our dedicated educators will work to create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can feel comfortable and at ease.

    We welcome new families to call the centre as many times as they wish throughout the day to check in.

    At pick-up time: At the end of the day, our educators can provide you with a summary of your child’s day, including information about what they learned, who they played with and any special moments they had.

  • I’ve been put on a waitlist. How long can I expect to wait until a place becomes available?

    It depends. St Nicholas Early Education is our region’s leading provider of early childhood education and care, and there are sometimes waiting lists for certain age groups and centres. We recommend getting in contact with your centre of choice well before you require care to secure your child’s place.

  • What is included in the cost of care? 

    Provided: 

    • Qualified early childhood educators and teachers 
    • Play and learning resources 
    • Meals + milk 
    • Onsite parking 
    • Nappies 
    • Cot linen (0 – 2 years) 
    • Sunscreen 
    • Dedicated breast feeding areas 
    • Transition to School program (Preschool only)
    • Priority enrolment at Catholic Schools

    To bring: 

    • Labelled bag w/ 2x extra sets of clothes 
    • Supply of bottles w/ formula or breast milk 
    • Water bottle or sipper cup 
    • Comforter (0 – 2 years) 
    • Wide-brim hat 
    • Single fitted sheet + light blanket (2+ years) 
  • My fees have increased. Why? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we understand that the cost of child care can be a significant expense for families. We are committed to keeping our fees as low as possible while still providing high-quality care and education to children. 

    Fees at our centres may increase to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible care and education to your child. The cost of running an early education centre increases each year, with rising expenses such as the wages and professional learning of our educators, rent, resources, and consumables.

    However, we strive to keep these fee increases to a minimum and provide ample notice to parents before any changes take effect. We believe in being transparent about our fees and the reasons behind any increases, so you can plan and budget accordingly. 

    We are also Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved to help ease the financial burden of child care fees for families.  

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we are committed to providing exceptional care and education to children and we believe that our fees reflect the value of our services. We will continue to work hard to keep our fees affordable and ensure that families have access to high-quality child care services. 

  • Who can access the Child Care Subsidy?

    You need to meet some requirements to get CCS. 

    This subsidy is paid to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay. 

    You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following: 

    • Your child will be in care 2 nights per fortnight (or have 14% care) 
    • You are liable for fees at an approved child care service 
    • You meet the residence rules 

    Your child must also meet the following criteria: 

    • Immunisation requirements 
    • Not be attending secondary school unless an exemption applies. 

    If your child attends secondary school, you may still be eligible if they require supervision. They must be either: 

    • 13 years old or under 
    • 14-18 years old with disability. 

    In these circumstances, you must provide evidence why your child can’t be unsupervised. This may include evidence of your child’s disability. You also need to confirm an adult cannot care for your child during this time. 

    Each person that’s liable to pay child care fees will need to apply for this subsidy and meet these criteria. 

    Some families can get Additional Child Care Subsidy, which is an additional payment on top of CCS to provide extra support with child care fees. 

    There are 3 different types of Additional CCS that you can apply for if you are either: 

    • A grandparent 
    • Transitioning to work 
    • Experiencing temporary financial hardship. 
  • How much Child Care Subsidy can I claim?

    The amount of CCS you can get depends on your circumstances. 

    Use our CCS calculator on this page to estimate how much CCS you can get. 

    The amount of CCS you’re eligible for depends on the following: 

    The amount of subsidised child care you can access each fortnight applies to each child. 

  • How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy?  

    For a comprehensive guide on how to claim the CCS, click here. 

  • What kind of curriculum do you offer at St Nicholas Early Education centre? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, our curriculum is guided by the principles of the Belonging, Being & Becoming: Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This national framework provides a foundation for ensuring that every child experiences quality learning through play, relationships, and exploration. EYLF emphasises the importance of nurturing each child’s sense of identity, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting their holistic development. Through this approach, we create engaging and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive and build the skills they need for a lifelong love of learning.

    To learn more about our unique program, visit our Curriculum page.

  • What kind of programming and experiences do you offer at St Nicholas Early Education?  

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we offer a range of programming and experiences that are designed to support children’s learning and development across different areas. Here are some examples of the programming and experiences we offer: 

    1. Play-based learning: We believe that children learn best through play, so we offer a range of play-based learning experiences designed to support their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. 
    2. STEM: We offer various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) experiences designed to introduce children to the world of science and technology in a fun and engaging way. 
    3. Creative arts: We believe that creative arts play a crucial role in supporting children’s overall development, so we offer various creative arts experiences such as music, drama, dance and visual arts. 
    4. Outdoor play: We have outdoor play areas where children can engage in physical experiences, play games and explore nature. 
    5. Language and literacy: We offer language and literacy experiences designed to support children’s communication and language development. 
    6. Social and emotional learning: We believe that social and emotional learning is essential for children’s overall development, so we offer experiences designed to support children’s social and emotional development. 

    St Nicholas offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to children’s learning and development. Our programming and experiences are designed to support children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language development. 

  • Can you tell me more about the daily routines and schedules my child will follow at the centre? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we follow a daily routine and schedule that is tailored to the age and developmental needs of the children. Our routine includes a range of experiences, such as indoor and outdoor play, quiet play, group times, music and movement, and art experiences. We also provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, which are included in the cost of care.

  • How do you ensure that my child is safe and well-cared for while at the centre? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, the safety and wellbeing of your child is our top priority. We have established policies and procedures in place to ensure your child is safe and well cared for at all times.

    To learn more, visit our Policies and procedures page.

  • How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and development? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we use a variety of documentation styles, including Floorbooks and individual child portfolios to capture a picture of the whole child throughout their time with us.

    We document each child’s learning journey by providing insights into their progress and development. This helps us tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of every child and keep families informed.

    Children’s documentation is accessible for families to view at any time in the child’s room.

    We value open and honest communication with families about their child’s education and care experience. Key updates are shared via email, while daily conversations at drop-off and pick-up provide valuable opportunities for direct communication. For urgent matters, our team will contact you by phone, and we encourage families to reach out by phone whenever needed.

    Your voice is essential to our partnership, and we are here to listen and support you every step of the way.

  • Are there opportunities for parent/carer involvement in the centre's programming and experiences? 

    Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for parent/carer involvement in St Nicholas Early Education’s programming and experiences.

    We understand that families are a child’s first and most important teacher. We value the unique knowledge, experiences, and culture you bring to your child’s learning journey and are committed to fostering collaborative partnerships with every family to ensure the best outcomes for children.

    Some of the ways parents/carers can get involved include: 

    1. Participating in events and experiences: We may hold events and experiences for our families, which can include cultural events, morning teas, and open days. Parents/carers are encouraged to attend these events and get to know other families in the community. 
    2. Sharing their skills and knowledge: We value the unique skills and knowledge that parents/carers bring to our community. Parents/carers are invited to share their cultural traditions, hobbies, or professional expertise with the children and team members. 
    3. Providing feedback and suggestions: We welcome feedback and suggestions from parents/carers on our programming and experiences. We believe that by working together, we can continuously improve and enhance the educational experience for our children. 
  • How do you accommodate children with special needs or learning differences?

    St Nicholas Early Education strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children, including those with special needs or learning differences. To accommodate these children, we have a range of strategies in place, such as individualised education plans, highly qualified educators, inclusive learning environments, assistive technology, and ongoing assessments and evaluations. Our goal is to ensure that every child can learn and grow to their fullest potential in a safe and nurturing environment. 

  • What kind of qualifications and training do your educators have? 

    Educators employed by St Nicholas hold either:

    • An Early Childhood Teaching degree (as recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority)
    • A Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent)
    • A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent).

    All team members have completed child protection training and hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). Where required, team members also possess first aid, anaphylaxis, and asthma qualifications. All St Nicholas Early Education centres are led by a dedicated leadership team comprised of a Centre Director, Assistant Director, and Educational Leader.

    Please see the display in the foyer of your local St Nicholas Early Education centre for a closer look at our team and their specific qualifications.

  • What is your approach to behaviour management at your centre? 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, we believe in fostering a positive and respectful learning environment where children can thrive and develop to their fullest potential.

    To learn more about behaviour management at St Nicholas, visit our Policies and procedures page.

OOSH

  • How do I enrol my child at a St Nicholas OOSH service? 

    Enrolling your child at a St Nicholas OOSH service is easy. Simply submit an online booking request for your service of choice through our website and a friendly member of our Admin and Client Services team will be in contact within 48 hours. 

    Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email at your service with your confirmed days. 

    Once finalised, your bookings will also show up on the ‘Bookings’ tab of the Xplor app. If your desired care days are not available, you will be invited to sign up to the service’s waitlist to be advised when a vacancy opens up. 

    All enquiring parents/carers are welcome to visit their service of choice for a tour with their family at a time that mutually suits within business hours. 

    For more information on the enrolment process, visit our ‘How to enrol’ page.

  • What can I expect from my child’s first day at a St Nicholas OOSH service? 

    The first day at St Nicholas OOSH can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both the child and the parent/carer. At St Nicholas OOSH, we understand that every child is unique, and we strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment that helps each child settle in comfortably and enjoy their time with us. 

    On your child’s first day, they will be greeted by our friendly and experienced team members who will welcome them and show them around the premises. We will introduce your child to their educators and help them get familiar with the daily routine, facilities, and experiences that are available to them. 

    We encourage parents/carers to provide us with as much information as possible about their child’s interests, strengths, and any specific needs they may have. This helps us tailor our approach to meet each child’s individual needs and interests. 

    Throughout their session, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a range of enjoyable experiences that promote their social, emotional, and physical development. We provide a wide variety of experiences, including sports, arts and crafts, music, and games to keep your child entertained and engaged. 

    We also provide nutritious snacks and meals throughout the day, ensuring your child is well-fed and energised. 

    We understand that separation anxiety can be a common issue for children on their first day and we are well-equipped to manage this. Our educators are experienced in helping children cope with separation anxiety, and we will work with you to ensure a smooth transition for your child. 

    You can expect your child’s first day at St Nicholas OOSH to be a positive and enjoyable experience. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging environment that helps your child thrive and develop their full potential. 

  • I’ve been put on a waitlist. How long can I expect to wait until a place becomes available? 

    It depends. St Nicholas OOSH is our region’s leading provider of out-of-school-hours care and there are sometimes waiting lists for certain services. We recommend submitting a booking request form well before you require care to secure your child’s place.

  • What is included in the cost of care? 

    Provided: 

    • Breakfast and afternoon tea 
    • Play and learning materials 
    • Dedicated homework spaces 

    To bring: 

    • Wide-brimmed hat 
    • Enclosed shoes 
    • Refillable drink bottle 
    • Jumper or jacket 
    • Morning tea and lunch (Vacation Care only) 
    • Spare set of clothes (Vacation Care only) 
  • My fees have increased. Why? 

    At St Nicholas OOSH, we understand that the cost of care can be a significant expense for families. We are committed to keeping our fees as low as possible while still providing high-quality care and education to children. 

    Fees at our services may increase to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible care and education to your child. The cost of running a out of school hours care service increases each year, with rising expenses such as staff wages and supplies. 

    However, we strive to keep these fee increases to a minimum and provide ample notice to parents before any changes take effect. We believe in being transparent about our fees and the reasons behind any increases, so you can plan and budget accordingly. 

    We are also Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved to help ease the financial burden of child care fees for families.  

    At St Nicholas OOSH, we are committed to providing exceptional care and education to children and we believe that our fees reflect the value of our services. We will continue to work hard to keep our fees affordable and ensure that families have access to high-quality child care services. 

  • Who can access the Child Care Subsidy?  

    You need to meet some requirements to get CCS. 

    This subsidy is paid to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay. 

    You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following: 

    • Your child will be in care 2 nights per fortnight (or have 14% care) 
    • You are liable for fees at an approved child care service 
    • You meet the residence rules 

    Your child must also meet the following criteria: 

    • Immunisation requirements 
    • Not be attending secondary school unless an exemption applies. 

    If your child attends secondary school, you may still be eligible if they require supervision. They must be either: 

    • 13 years old or under 
    • 14-18 years old with disability. 

    In these circumstances, you must provide evidence why your child can’t be unsupervised. This may include evidence of your child’s disability. You also need to confirm an adult cannot care for your child during this time. 

    Each person that’s liable to pay child care fees will need to apply for this subsidy and meet these criteria. 

    Some families can get Additional Child Care Subsidy, which is an additional payment on top of CCS to provide extra support with child care fees. 

    There are 3 different types of Additional CCS that you can apply for if you are either: 

    • A grandparent 
    • Transitioning to work 
    • Experiencing temporary financial hardship. 
  • How much Child Care Subsidy can I claim?  

    The amount of CCS you can get depends on your circumstances. 

    Use Services Australia’s CCS estimator to find out how much CCS you may get. 

    The amount of CCS you’re eligible for depends on the following: 

    The amount of subsidised child care you can access each fortnight applies to each child. 

  • How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy?  

    For a comprehensive guide on how to claim the CCS, click here.

  • What kind of programming and experiences does St Nicholas OOSH offer? 

    St Nicholas OOSH offers a range of programming and experiences to cater for the diverse interests and needs of children. Our programming includes art and craft experiences, sports, games, cooking, drama and music, and quiet time for relaxation. 

  • What is the curriculum like at St Nicholas OOSH?  

    St Nicholas OOSH embraces the My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Aged Care, which focuses on enriching children’s learning experiences in the school-age years. This framework recognises the importance of leisure and play in supporting children’s development while fostering their sense of agency and belonging. By providing engaging, flexible, and child-centered programs, we ensure that every child in our care has the opportunity to explore their interests, build friendships, and grow in confidence, all while feeling safe, supported, and valued.

  • How does St Nicholas OOSH ensure the safety of the children in its care?  

    At St Nicholas OOSH, the safety and wellbeing of your child is our top priority. We have established policies and procedures in place to ensure your child is safe and well cared for at all times.

    To learn more, visit our Policies and procedures page.

  • How are parents and carers involved in the programming and experiences at St Nicholas OOSH? 

    We encourage parents and carers to be involved in the programming and experiences at St Nicholas OOSH if they wish. We welcome feedback, suggestions, and contributions from parents and carers. 

  • Can children with special needs or disabilities attend St Nicholas OOSH?  

    Yes, children with special needs or disabilities are welcome at St Nicholas OOSH. We have a commitment to inclusion and strive to provide an inclusive environment for all children. We work closely with families to ensure that the individual needs of all children are met.

  • I’ve submitted a booking request through Xplor. How do I know if I’m booked in for Vacation Care?  

    Once your booking has been processed, you will receive a notification on your device from Xplor. Make sure you have your app notifications switched on to ensure you receive booking request confirmations.

    You can also check to see if your bookings are confirmed through the ‘Bookings’ tab in the Xplor Home app. Tapping on a particular date shows if your child has a confirmed booking or not. 

    For more information about making an Vacation Care booking with St Nicholas OOSH, visit our ‘How to make a booking’ page.

  • I have submitted my Vacation Care booking request but have not heard back. What do I do?  

    Following the release of our Vacation Care programs, St Nicholas often receives an extremely high volume of booking requests, which may lead to delays in confirming bookings. 

    If you have not received a notification confirming your booking within three (3) business days, you can check to see if your bookings have been confirmed through the ‘Bookings’ tab in the Xplor Home app.  

    If your booking has not appeared, contact your St Nicholas OOSH service to check on its status.

  • What can I do to ensure I do not experience delays in confirming my Vacation Care bookings?  

    The biggest causes of delays in processing a Vacation Care booking include: 

    • The family has not completed their CCS requirements 
    • The family has not completed/updated their enrolment information through Xplor 
    • The family has not provided the required documentation (e.g. medical conditions) 

    To avoid delays, we recommend following the instructions provided in our How to make a Vacation Care booking with St Nicholas OOSH guide and ensuring your child/ren’s information and documentation is up to date on Xplor (if you are already enrolled) prior to submitting a booking request.

  • How do I change or cancel my booking? 

    To change or cancel a booking, please reach out to the St Nicholas OOSH service you requested a booking for. 

    Please note, our cancellation policy requires notice of five (5) business days for cancellation of Vacation Care bookings. If you cancel within 5 business days of your booking, you will be charged the full rate. 

  • Why do I need to sign an excursion authority form for every excursion my child attends?  

    Completion of our excursion authority forms is a regulatory requirement for all parents/carers with children attending an excursion with St Nicholas OOSH as part of Vacation Care. It verifies that parents/carers are aware of the risks, transport requirements and experiences their children will be participating in as part of their chosen excursion. 

  • Who can I contact if I have questions about Vacation Care?  

    For any questions you might have relating to Vacation Care with St Nicholas OOSH, you can contact your local St Nicholas OOSH service. The contact information for each of our services is available on our website. 

    Alternatively, you can contact our friendly Admin and Client Services team – vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au  

Pathways

  • What does the orientation process look like for a new student in one of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

    The orientation process for a new student in one of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs is designed to help them understand the program requirements, familiarise themselves with St Nicholas, and establish a connection with their fellow students and key supports. It varies depending on the student’s chosen program, usually begins before their first day and includes several steps.

    Firstly, new students are provided with a welcome pack that includes an employee handbook, information about the organisation, and other resources and information. 

    Next, new students are invited to attend an orientation session. During this session, they have the opportunity to meet their dedicated trainer and assessor, as well as other new students.

    Our trainees are also assigned a dedicated in-service mentor who will guide them throughout the program. This mentor will provide support and advice about what it looks like to be an early childhood educator day-to-day in an early childhood service. 

  • What costs are associated with each of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

    Fees for each of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs vary depending on the unique circumstances of the student/client.

    For a full breakdown of fees and inclusions regarding your program of interest, please contact us via our Enquiry page.

  • What support is available to students of St Nicholas Pathways? 

    St Nicholas Pathways provides a range of support services to students to help them achieve their academic and career goals. One of the key sources of support is our dedicated team of trainer and assessors who work closely with students to provide guidance and assistance throughout their studies.

    In addition to this, St Nicholas Pathways also arranges in-service mentors for our trainees. These mentors provide additional support in their studies, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as early childhood educators.

    Another valuable resource for St Nicholas Pathways students is our training partner, Macquarie Community College. As a partner organisation, Macquarie Community College offers a range of support services, including consultation around assessments and tools.

  • What qualifications can I achieve by participating in St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

    St Nicholas Pathways offers a range of programs for individuals seeking to develop their skills and qualifications in early childhood education and care. The specific qualifications that you can achieve by participating in these programs will depend on the program you choose to enrol in and your individual goals and needs. 

    Some of the programs offered by St Nicholas Pathways include: 

    Early Childhood Immersion program: Secondary students can apply to participate in our Early Childhood Industry Immersion program, which has been designed to provide secondary students with an introduction to the early childhood education and care profession. 

    Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program: Students who participate in our SBAT program undertake a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while completing their HSC. 

    Early Childhood CONNEX program: The CONNEX program sees Macquarie Community College, in partnership with St Nicholas Pathways, deliver a blended program of onsite (face-to-face), online and workplace-based training that leads to a nationally accredited entry-level qualification (CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care*). 

    Professional Learning: St Nicholas provides all our employees with access to a suite of exciting and free opportunities for professional learning, which they can register for through an exclusive online training portal. 

    Early Childhood Work-Based Traineeships: Trainee early childhood educators employed by St Nicholas Early Education undertake a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care while participating in paid full-time employment. 

  • What kind of qualifications and training do St Nicholas Pathways’ Trainer and Assessors have? 

    St Nicholas Pathways is committed to providing high-quality training and assessment services to our learners. To achieve this goal, St Nicholas employs a team of highly qualified trainer and assessors who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver effective training and assessment. 

    All St Nicholas Pathways trainer and assessors hold relevant qualifications and early childhood industry experience. They possess a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or higher, which is the minimum requirement for individuals delivering vocational education and training in Australia. Additionally, they engage in regular professional learning to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices. 

    Moreover, St Nicholas Pathways trainer and assessors are selected based on their expertise, teaching skills, and ability to engage and motivate learners. They undergo a rigorous selection process that includes interviews and reference checks before being appointed as trainer and assessors. This ensures that they have the necessary qualifications, experience, and personal qualities to provide exceptional training and assessment services to St Nicholas Pathways learners.

Careers

  • How can I apply for a job at St Nicholas? 

    You can visit the careers page of our website to see all available positions. You can apply directly or, if you don’t see a position that suits, you can submit a general employment enquiry to speak to a member of our friendly staffing team.

    To find out more, visit our ‘How to apply’ page.

  • What are the minimum qualifications required to work at St Nicholas Early Education centre or St Nicholas OOSH service? 

    The qualifications required for each position may vary.  

    At St Nicholas OOSH, our staff vary from OOSH Assistants, who do not require a formal qualification other than a valid Working with Children Check, to OOSH Educators, Responsible Persons and Nominated Supervisors, who each hold either a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Diploma in Children’s Services qualification. 

    At St Nicholas Early Education, our centre teams are made up of Certificate III, Diploma and degree-qualified educators.  

    We also support work-based and school-based trainees beginning their career in early education, who do not count towards our required staffing ratios. 

  • What are the job opportunities available at St Nicholas?  

    St Nicholas offers a range of job positions, including but not limited to: 

    St Nicholas Early Education: 

    • Certificate III educators 
    • Diploma educators 
    • Educational leaders 
    • Early childhood teachers 
    • Centre directors 
    • Assistant directors 
    • Child care cooks 

    St Nicholas OOSH: 

    • Assistants 
    • Educators 
    • Responsible persons 
    • Nominated supervisors 

    St Nicholas Pathways: 

    • School-based trainees (SBATs) 
    • Work-based trainees (Cert III and Diploma) 

    Support Office:

    • Area service managers
    • Quality Assurance
    • Pedagogy
    • Staffing
    • Projects
    • Admin and Client Services
  • What are the working hours at St Nicholas?  

    The working hours and conditions may vary depending on the job position and service location.  

    Our Early Education centers operate from Monday to Friday and opening hours may vary depending on the needs of each centre’s local families.  

    Our OOSH services operate from Monday to Friday for before school care, after school care and vacation care (at some services, during school holidays), and opening hours may also vary depending on the needs of each service’s local families.  

    Staff shifts depend on availability, preference and the needs of the service. Wherever possible, St Nicholas strives to roster flexibly to support staff work-life balance. 

  • What benefits can I expect if I work at St Nicholas?  

    Those employed by St Nicholas gain access to a range of excited benefits, including: 

      • Above-award conditions and recognised paid overtime
      • 3 days of additional leave annually
      • 50% discount on your child care fees
      • Paid sector-leading professional learning and career progression opportunities
      • Employer-funded Paid Parental Leave
      • Flexible working arrangements
      • Contemporary service environments powered by 100% renewable energy
      • Reduced gym membership with Fitness Passport
      • Generous referral bonuses – $1,000 ($1,500 for eligible positions)
      • Annual awards with exciting prizes
      • Support from dedicated Quality, Pedagogy, Professional Learning, Area, Staffing, and Administration teams
      • Wellness Package – Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and free flu injections
      • Salary packaging options
      • Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program, including supermarkets, activewear, beauty and wellbeing, cinemas, travel, and home living
      • Uniform provided
      • Generous resource budgets
      • Paid annual NESA accreditation fee for Early Childhood Teachers
  • What does the recruitment and onboarding process look like at St Nicholas?  

    The flow for St Nicholas’ recruitment process is as follows: 

    1. Applicant submits application 

    • Up to 7 days for response 

    2. Applicant shortlisted for interview 

    • Up to 7 days for response 

    3. Applicant identified as preferred candidate 

    • Up to 3 days for response 

    4. Pre-employment checks completed 

    • Up to 3 days for response 

    5. Formal offer provided and onboarding process commences 

    • Wait depends on employee’s required notice period at previous employment 

    6. Employee commences with St Nicholas 

    St Nicholas’ onboarding program is designed to welcome and support new employees. 

    Our onboarding program will: 

    • Welcome new employees and make them feel at ease 
    • Familiarise new employees with their physical working environment 
    • Familiarise new employees with the policies, procedures and practices of their centre/service 
    • Invite constructive feedback about the service from new employees 
    • Build the basis for a mutually positive and committed relationship. 

    You will be assigned a mentor during your orientation period to assist you with settling into the routines at St Nicholas. 

    The Director/Nominated Supervisor will meet with you during the next three months to provide a forum for mutual feedback. 

    The feedback will focus on: 

    • Interactions with children 
    • Interactions with parents 
    • Interactions with other employees 
    • Interactions with co-workers 
    • Health and safety practices. 

    Meeting with the Director/Nominated Supervisor will also give you the opportunity to ask questions and for your manager to provide any additional training/information about your role and functions in the service. 

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      • Early Education
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      Please note:

      • Submitting an enrolment request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed enrolment or booking. No enrolment or booking is confirmed until you have received confirmation from St Nicholas.

      • For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.

      • One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

       

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